2000 oldsmobile intrigue won't start on the first try

When i try to start the car whether it's hot or cold it usually doesn't start on the first try. it mostly works after about 3 or 4 times but it always starts up. i'm just worried one day it might not. i've taken it in a couple times and they can't ever find anything wrong with it. once the check engine light came on and we were told it was the crankshaft position sensor but we changed that and a day later it was doing it again. also when we took it in the mechanic said that it seemed like it was only starting with 5 cylinders but that it was running on 6. what could be causing this and will it ruin the car?

I have the same problem as posted above. The check engine light comes on every now and then and says it is the cam position sensor. I dont want to replace this for $50-60 if I don't have to. The engine does not turn over when I start it but the radio will turn on. This happens sporadically but will start up normal regualarly.I have the same problem as posted above. The check engine light comes on every now and then and says it is the cam position sensor. I dont want to replace this for $50-60 if I don't have to. The engine does not turn over when I start it but the radio will turn on. This happens sporadically but will start up normal regualarly.

5 Answers

I have a 2000 Olds Intrigue that has the starting problem that some people have spoke about. You turn the key and all lights come on but the car will not start nothing. I 1st replaced the ignition switch which did not correct the problem. To get around the problem I have connected a wire to my starter and ran the wire up to the battery and when the car acts up I take the wire touch the positive pole on the battery post and the starter will turn over. I then get in my car and use the key and start the car. I have not been stranded by the car since. I try the key a few times if nothing happens I'll wait a few minutes and if that does not do it I jump the starter with my wire. This has been working fofor the last 2 years. It's not a correction but it is a work around.

Is this still working for you? any engin security issues? Do you jump the starter while the key in the ingnition and in the on position?Is this still working for you? any engin security issues? Do you jump the starter while the key in the ingnition and in the on position?

I don't think you are doing any damage ignoring the problem but it will likely get worse.
Have had a similar problem on some vehicle a while ago and it turned out that the fuel pump was failing; it didn't happen instantly, but over time it got more and more annoying.
Most fuel injection systems I have seen or serviced, held pressure or at least didn't allow fuel to dribble back to the tank so it wasn't necessary to wait for fuel to come forward from the gas tank each time.
If you turn the car off, wait 10-20 seconds and then restart it and it starts quickly after the short delay, then I think the fuel is just draining back over a longer period of time than the brief delay I suggested above.
If you check the fuel rail (it will run parallel to the engine) and find a capped valve that when the cap is removed appears a lot like a tire valve, this is a bleeder to let fuel under pressure escape for servicing the fuel system.
Right after turning the car off, you should get a squirt of fuel if you depress the valve as you would a tire valve.
If you do, then restart the car for a few seconds and then let it stand undisturbed for several hours or overnight and depress the valve again before trying to start the engine.
If no fuel comes out any more, then you are bleeding the fuel back into the gas tank and I think the fuel pump is in the process of failing.

1998 Intrigue will not start. Or when when we do get it running, it will shut off engine with all other things, operational. Also disconnects information to computer analizer, and security light comes on. When you turn the key off and on, it will start. And it will start the same problem over and over again. Sometimes it will run perfect. Not a consistant problem. The only code that comes on refers to security, when analizing.

First of all check all your fuses also the ones on the inside of the car by the air bag and pasenger door then check the pcm if it's bad after that i would say the starter and other sensors like crank sensor....... ect.........

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There are many emission sensors in the car that will make the engine light come ON. Not to mention the big list of trouble codes for the engine light.

Best way to find out what's going on engine light is to have an auto-parts store hook up a engine code reader and tell you what the code means and the problem. Most auto-part store will do this for free.

. Its above the starter going into the side of the block. (front side of the engine) Disconnect the battery. Remove the starter. Remove the wIre CONNECTOR plug to the sensor. The sensor has 1 bolt holding it in. Remove the bolt, you may have to wiggle the sensor at the base a bit as you pull it out. Replace, and make sure it is pushed in all of the way. Replace the bolt, wire plug, starter, reconnect the battery.

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If it's a 3.5l, high side is near the air cleaner, low side is at the firewall. Econo means compressor is OFF when light is ON (backwards). A low charge will cause hot air on left and cold air on right vents.

The ambient temperature sensor going bad causes this exact problem. I've replaced many of them because when they show outside temp as being below 60 degrees, the A/C control module will shut the compressor off.